The Economy — Total Organization Not Equal Distribution

Abstract

Despite the fact that the Saint-Simonians have frequently been considered primarily economic theorists, it is impossible to discuss their economic views independently of political considerations. For them the economy was viewed as “only a part, a member, so to speak, of the great social body which includes all men without exception.” ¹ Their economic views were therefore less derived from an empirical analysis of economic processes than by deduction from their political principles. The basic problem of the day was the same as in all other spheres of social activity, the restoration of order and authority. “Order is what we call for,” the Doctrine commented in introducing its discussion of modern economic theories “and we proclaim the strongest and most unitary hierarchy for the future.” ²